NFL Mock Draft 2017 - Round 1

Cleveland will have a hard time screwing up this pick, especially now that the team won't trade it (based on what coach Hue Jackson has said). Garrett looks the part of the NFL’s next dominant edge rusher with his exceptional athleticism and playmaking skills. The top overall prospect in the class would be a no-brainer for any team picking first this year.

Cleveland will have a hard time screwing up this pick, especially now that the team won't trade it (based on what coach Hue Jackson has said). Garrett looks the part of the NFL’s next dominant edge rusher with his exceptional athleticism and playmaking skills. The top overall prospect in the class would be a no-brainer for any team picking first this year.

The second overall pick is too early for the Niners to force a quarterback solution, so here, they simply go for the next freakish edge player on the board. Thomas' stock has risen as more have gotten wind of his jaw-dropping combination of size and agility. They now realize he's more scheme- and alignment-proof and has “next J.J. Watt" potential.

The second overall pick is too early for the Niners to force a quarterback solution, so here, they simply go for the next freakish edge player on the board. Thomas' stock has risen as more have gotten wind of his jaw-dropping combination of size and agility. They now realize he's more scheme- and alignment-proof and has “next J.J. Watt" potential.

The Bears have desperately needed a safety who can take over games as a playmaker, and they finally can solve the problem. Adams can lay the hammer down upfield against the run like an extra linebacker but also drop back to shine in coverage like an extra cornerback. Free or strong safety, it doesn’t matter. File Adams under transcendent for the position.

The Bears have desperately needed a safety who can take over games as a playmaker, and they finally can solve the problem. Adams can lay the hammer down upfield against the run like an extra linebacker but also drop back to shine in coverage like an extra cornerback. Free or strong safety, it doesn’t matter. File Adams under transcendent for the position.

The Jaguars can't afford to drag their feet in the backfield. They need a reliable, early-down pounder who also can bust free to go the distance on any given carry. Defensive line and secondary also will be considered with this pick, but after some hits there of late, Jacksonville can afford to go with the best pure runner in the draft class.

The Jaguars can't afford to drag their feet in the backfield. They need a reliable, early-down pounder who also can bust free to go the distance on any given carry. Defensive line and secondary also will be considered with this pick, but after some hits there of late, Jacksonville can afford to go with the best pure runner in the draft class.

(from Rams) Allen’s past shoulder injuries have raised some questions, but they shouldn't cause him to slide much. The Titans might think about secondary or wide receiver here, instead, but the value is much greater for Allen, an ideal move-around lineman for their 3-4 scheme.

(from Rams) Allen’s past shoulder injuries have raised some questions, but they shouldn't cause him to slide much. The Titans might think about secondary or wide receiver here, instead, but the value is much greater for Allen, an ideal move-around lineman for their 3-4 scheme.

The Darrelle Revis era is over, and New York needs more answers at corner beyond free-agent signing Morris Claiborne. The former Cowboy is more of a complementary cover man, and Lattimore is more of a blanketing, shadowing shutdown type, the clear-cut best in this class.

The Darrelle Revis era is over, and New York needs more answers at corner beyond free-agent signing Morris Claiborne. The former Cowboy is more of a complementary cover man, and Lattimore is more of a blanketing, shadowing shutdown type, the clear-cut best in this class.

The Chargers will hope for Adams, but there’s not much of a drop-off to Hooker, who joins Joey Bosa as back-to-back Buckeye picks. They need a rangy playmaker who can fly over the field. Hooker won’t waste time in showing off his nose for the ball.

The Chargers will hope for Adams, but there’s not much of a drop-off to Hooker, who joins Joey Bosa as back-to-back Buckeye picks. They need a rangy playmaker who can fly over the field. Hooker won’t waste time in showing off his nose for the ball.

The Panthers should at least consider running back and defensive end. But fresh off losing Ted Ginn Jr. as a free agent, they need a legitimate, speedy deep threat for Cam Newton. Ross, after his blazing 40-yard dash at the Combine, gets the nod to be the man outside over Clemson's Mike Williams.

The Panthers should at least consider running back and defensive end. But fresh off losing Ted Ginn Jr. as a free agent, they need a legitimate, speedy deep threat for Cam Newton. Ross, after his blazing 40-yard dash at the Combine, gets the nod to be the man outside over Clemson's Mike Williams.

The Bengals are in the rebuilding process on both lines as they try to work their way back to playoff contention. Their edge rush and ability to get to the QB overall has become particularly sluggish. Barnett can bring back the energy and the results.

The Bengals are in the rebuilding process on both lines as they try to work their way back to playoff contention. Their edge rush and ability to get to the QB overall has become particularly sluggish. Barnett can bring back the energy and the results.

The Bills make it an all-Clemson affair with their starting wideouts, as Williams becomes the perfect big-bodied, outside complement to Sammy Watkins, an even higher first-rounder. Tyrod Taylor needs more than a possession target as a No. 2. Williams can provide home runs and use his good hands to go up and get the ball.

The Bills make it an all-Clemson affair with their starting wideouts, as Williams becomes the perfect big-bodied, outside complement to Sammy Watkins, an even higher first-rounder. Tyrod Taylor needs more than a possession target as a No. 2. Williams can provide home runs and use his good hands to go up and get the ball.

The Saints have missed Jimmy Graham more than they would like to admit, and their latest blockbuster trade — shipping Brandin Cooks to New England — leaves them with a chance to further reboot their offense. Throwing Howard into a mix with Michael Thomas and Willie Snead would give Drew Brees a versatile, hard-to-cover option. The Cooks deal for pick No. 32 allows them to go luxury, best-player-available with their first pick.

The Saints have missed Jimmy Graham more than they would like to admit, and their latest blockbuster trade — shipping Brandin Cooks to New England — leaves them with a chance to further reboot their offense. Throwing Howard into a mix with Michael Thomas and Willie Snead would give Drew Brees a versatile, hard-to-cover option. The Cooks deal for pick No. 32 allows them to go luxury, best-player-available with their first pick.

(from Eagles) Trubisky might as well prepare now for the pressure of trying to become Cleveland’s QB savior as a hometown product. He doesn’t offer the same winning resume, flair or ceiling of other QBs in this draft, but he does a bit of everything well enough to round out nicely under Jackson.

(from Eagles) Trubisky might as well prepare now for the pressure of trying to become Cleveland’s QB savior as a hometown product. He doesn’t offer the same winning resume, flair or ceiling of other QBs in this draft, but he does a bit of everything well enough to round out nicely under Jackson.

The Cardinals could think about linebacker and defensive back here, but they come back full circle to Watson as Carson Palmer’s groomed successor over Patrick Mahomes and DeShone Kizer. Watson’s winning mind-set and big-armed skill set make for a great Bruce Arians pupil.

The Cardinals could think about linebacker and defensive back here, but they come back full circle to Watson as Carson Palmer’s groomed successor over Patrick Mahomes and DeShone Kizer. Watson’s winning mind-set and big-armed skill set make for a great Bruce Arians pupil.

(from Vikings) This move would allow the Eagles to move on from Ryan Mathews for good as their best early-down option. It also would ease the burden on aging Darren Sproles on third down and in the return game. McCaffery can do it all as a dynamo, and he has shot up draft boards as he’s been seen more as a durable, finishing power back as well as game-breaking speedster. Carson Wentz would love getting the ball out quickly into his hands.

(from Vikings) This move would allow the Eagles to move on from Ryan Mathews for good as their best early-down option. It also would ease the burden on aging Darren Sproles on third down and in the return game. McCaffery can do it all as a dynamo, and he has shot up draft boards as he’s been seen more as a durable, finishing power back as well as game-breaking speedster. Carson Wentz would love getting the ball out quickly into his hands.

No. 15 overall is a bit too early for the Colts to think about guard or tackle in this class, and the defensive line value isn’t there. Foster, the can’t-miss cleanup man on the second level, still sticks with new GM Chris Ballard’s theme of bolstering his team on both fronts. Going running back or wide receiver is too luxurious of an alternative. The Colts would love Foster’s thumping and toughness.

No. 15 overall is a bit too early for the Colts to think about guard or tackle in this class, and the defensive line value isn’t there. Foster, the can’t-miss cleanup man on the second level, still sticks with new GM Chris Ballard’s theme of bolstering his team on both fronts. Going running back or wide receiver is too luxurious of an alternative. The Colts would love Foster’s thumping and toughness.

There’s been a lot in flux at cornerback since the early part of the draft process because of injuries and other developing concerns for some former highly-mocked prospects. Conley, overshadowed by Lattimore in Columbus, has emerged more as the potential No. 2 in the class, too. The Ravens should love how he can go after the big plays on the ball while working to become as polished as Lattimore.

There’s been a lot in flux at cornerback since the early part of the draft process because of injuries and other developing concerns for some former highly-mocked prospects. Conley, overshadowed by Lattimore in Columbus, has emerged more as the potential No. 2 in the class, too. The Ravens should love how he can go after the big plays on the ball while working to become as polished as Lattimore.

Reddick has a good resume as a pass rusher, but his stock is better as a 3-4 inside linebacker because of how well he operates as a rangy tackler and cover man in the open field. His lateral and downfield playmaking is exactly what Washington needs in the middle.

Reddick has a good resume as a pass rusher, but his stock is better as a 3-4 inside linebacker because of how well he operates as a rangy tackler and cover man in the open field. His lateral and downfield playmaking is exactly what Washington needs in the middle.

The Titans probably would be surprised to see both Ross and Williams off the board before their second first-round pick. But Davis isn’t far from Ross' pure speed, and he can compete with Williams’ size and mitts. Concerns about Davis' ankle might cause him to slip, but he is a good value as a much-needed bona fide No. 1 for Marcus Mariota.

The Titans probably would be surprised to see both Ross and Williams off the board before their second first-round pick. But Davis isn’t far from Ross' pure speed, and he can compete with Williams’ size and mitts. Concerns about Davis' ankle might cause him to slip, but he is a good value as a much-needed bona fide No. 1 for Marcus Mariota.

Cook gets his wish for a Seminoles reunion with Jameis Winston. The Bucs get a productive, all-around back to help them move on from initially-suspended Doug Martin as a vital presence on all three downs. Cook has slipped because teams are concerned about him maintaining his pop through a regular workload, but he comes in polished for the job.

Cook gets his wish for a Seminoles reunion with Jameis Winston. The Bucs get a productive, all-around back to help them move on from initially-suspended Doug Martin as a vital presence on all three downs. Cook has slipped because teams are concerned about him maintaining his pop through a regular workload, but he comes in polished for the job.

The Broncos will have a close eye on offensive tackles early in the draft, and this pick lines up nicely with Bolles. Some teams prefer Wisconsin’s Ryan Ramczyk, but Bolles’ combo of nasty style and freakish athleticism is what Denver has been missing up front.

The Broncos will have a close eye on offensive tackles early in the draft, and this pick lines up nicely with Bolles. Some teams prefer Wisconsin’s Ryan Ramczyk, but Bolles’ combo of nasty style and freakish athleticism is what Denver has been missing up front.

The Lions can look up the road to Ann Arbor and see how the versatile Peppers can be used in their defensive scheme, too. While he waits his turn to take over full-time as a playmaking safety, he can be effective in sub-packages vs. the run and pass.

The Lions can look up the road to Ann Arbor and see how the versatile Peppers can be used in their defensive scheme, too. While he waits his turn to take over full-time as a playmaking safety, he can be effective in sub-packages vs. the run and pass.

It's a mini-run on defensive Wolverines. Cameron Wake keeps defying his age, but the Dolphins have a post-Mario Williams need for a big edge rusher on the other side. The size, athleticism and talent are there for Charlton to dominate with Wake and under new defensive coordinator Mike Burke.

It's a mini-run on defensive Wolverines. Cameron Wake keeps defying his age, but the Dolphins have a post-Mario Williams need for a big edge rusher on the other side. The size, athleticism and talent are there for Charlton to dominate with Wake and under new defensive coordinator Mike Burke.

The Giants probably should have thought more about offensive line in last year’s draft. The later selection this year lines up with the value, as Ramczyk can provide a reliable upgrade from the Ereck Flowers whiff two years ago.

The Giants probably should have thought more about offensive line in last year’s draft. The later selection this year lines up with the value, as Ramczyk can provide a reliable upgrade from the Ereck Flowers whiff two years ago.

The Raiders are set at one edge with Khalil Mack, but they need more disruption up front in order to build a more effective overall pass rush. McDowell is a big body who can mix it up on his way to quarterbacks’ faces.

The Raiders are set at one edge with Khalil Mack, but they need more disruption up front in order to build a more effective overall pass rush. McDowell is a big body who can mix it up on his way to quarterbacks’ faces.

Once the Texans made the salary dump of trading Brock Osweiler to the Browns, all other positions fell out the window as first-round targets. They have a good look at the big arm and prototypical size Mahomes brings from up the road in Lubbock. Coach Bill O’Brien will hope his offensive acumen can accelerate Mahomes putting all his physical skills together.

Once the Texans made the salary dump of trading Brock Osweiler to the Browns, all other positions fell out the window as first-round targets. They have a good look at the big arm and prototypical size Mahomes brings from up the road in Lubbock. Coach Bill O’Brien will hope his offensive acumen can accelerate Mahomes putting all his physical skills together.

A year after taking Germain Ifedi, the Seahawks go for another massive, strong pounder to further address their trouble spot on the offensive line. Ifedi settled at right guard; Robinson, despite not being a super athlete for left tackle, can develop into a rock at the position in Seattle’s scheme.

A year after taking Germain Ifedi, the Seahawks go for another massive, strong pounder to further address their trouble spot on the offensive line. Ifedi settled at right guard; Robinson, despite not being a super athlete for left tackle, can develop into a rock at the position in Seattle’s scheme.

The Chiefs have their on-ball gambler and big playmaker on one side in Marcus Peters, but they need to clean up their technique on the other side with a physical, sound cover man. It’s hard to find an early value that fits Kansas City's immediate need with Reddick and Foster off the board, but White is a sensible stash otherwise.

The Chiefs have their on-ball gambler and big playmaker on one side in Marcus Peters, but they need to clean up their technique on the other side with a physical, sound cover man. It’s hard to find an early value that fits Kansas City's immediate need with Reddick and Foster off the board, but White is a sensible stash otherwise.

Jason Witten’s extension was more of a cap-relief move, not a sign that he'll play much longer, and Gavin Escobar is not the Cowboys' answer as the successor. They can think about corner and defensive end again, but their window with Dak Prescott isn’t as wide open as it seems. Njoku is a special, athletic talent Jerry Jones can’t ignore. He can immediately be worked in as a key, moveable target.

Jason Witten’s extension was more of a cap-relief move, not a sign that he'll play much longer, and Gavin Escobar is not the Cowboys' answer as the successor. They can think about corner and defensive end again, but their window with Dak Prescott isn’t as wide open as it seems. Njoku is a special, athletic talent Jerry Jones can’t ignore. He can immediately be worked in as a key, moveable target.

Lamp was the king of the Hilltoppers’ offensive line, and as more scouts and analysts have examined his film, it has become clear that his inside blocking skills translate to the higher level of NFL competition. Beyond the familiar first name in Packers line history, Lamp also can light up defensive tackles as their immediate T.J. Lang replacement at right guard.

Lamp was the king of the Hilltoppers’ offensive line, and as more scouts and analysts have examined his film, it has become clear that his inside blocking skills translate to the higher level of NFL competition. Beyond the familiar first name in Packers line history, Lamp also can light up defensive tackles as their immediate T.J. Lang replacement at right guard.

UConn already has one super-athletic, speedy defensive back operating in the NFL — Dallas’ Byron Jones — and Melifonwu had his own meteoric rise with a wowing workout. The Steelers need a guy like him to roam the center of the field, get around quickly and cover more ground deep in Keith Butler’s scheme.

UConn already has one super-athletic, speedy defensive back operating in the NFL — Dallas’ Byron Jones — and Melifonwu had his own meteoric rise with a wowing workout. The Steelers need a guy like him to roam the center of the field, get around quickly and cover more ground deep in Keith Butler’s scheme.

Vic Beasley provided a jumpstart for Atlanta’s pass rush under coach Dan Quinn, but the team could use another hybrid end/linebacker, aka the "Leo" position that worked so well for Quinn in Seattle. J.J.’s younger brother channels some of same speed and explosiveness in getting upfield. He would make the NFC champs less leaky up front.

Vic Beasley provided a jumpstart for Atlanta’s pass rush under coach Dan Quinn, but the team could use another hybrid end/linebacker, aka the "Leo" position that worked so well for Quinn in Seattle. J.J.’s younger brother channels some of same speed and explosiveness in getting upfield. He would make the NFC champs less leaky up front.

(from Patriots) Expect the Saints to go offense-defense with their two first-round picks. After going tight end early in the round, they go for additional edge pass rush help here. The Saints shouldn’t shrug off McKinley because of his shoulder surgery. His athleticism will translate to good production in their scheme.

(from Patriots) Expect the Saints to go offense-defense with their two first-round picks. After going tight end early in the round, they go for additional edge pass rush help here. The Saints shouldn’t shrug off McKinley because of his shoulder surgery. His athleticism will translate to good production in their scheme.

NFL DRAFT 2017

The 2017 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 27–29, and will be held in Philadelphia for the first time since 1961. The entire event will take place outdoors for the first time in the draft’s 82-year history, with the draft picks being announced in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the famous “Rocky” steps.

NFL DRAFT SCHEDULE

The 2017 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 27, at 8 p.m. ET with only the first round (32 total picks) on opening night. Rounds 2-3 will take place on Friday, April 28, beginning at 7 p.m. The NFL Draft will conclude with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 29, starting at noon.

The NFL Draft will be televised live on ESPN, ESPN2 and NFL Network, and online live streaming will be available at NFL.com.

In total, the NFL Draft will last for seven rounds and include 253 total selections.